Happy Birthday, Cheeky!
In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer wrote, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." For Erica Bethe Levin and Jessica Zweig, these four words were the driving force behind a dream. What started as a casual conversation between girlfriends catapulted into one of Chicago's leading, online lifestyle guides - and quickly gathered a cult-like following of A-listers, fashionistas, and ladies who love living la vida loca!
From launching their Cheeky Card (a loyalty rewards program which treats cardholders to special perks and deep discounts at area restaurants, spas, boutiques, and more) to being nominated for the Fashion Group International's prestigious Rising Star Award, 2012's truly been a remarkable year for CheekyChicago.com's co-creators.
On the day of their fourth birthday, Luxe File Chicago caught
up with the pretty pair to dish on everything from party hostess how-to's and makeup must-have's to the oh-so-bright future of Cheeky.
Erica Bethe Levin
Jessica Zweig
Co-Founder and Director of Sales & Marketing, CheekyChicago.com
What’s in store for Cheeky fans in 2013? We've got BIG plans: we are upgrading our Cheeky Card program from the credit card into a mobile app, expanding nationally into Austin and Los Angeles, and hiring a slew of new team members. We have more exciting announcements so stay tuned!
Four glorious years later, fans weigh in on what inspires them most about Cheeky Chicago. #girlpower
Ashley Bond, BullsTV
We love Erica and Jessica for being such supportive girlfriends in business and in life. Tres cheeky!
Bonni Gross, Coldwell Banker
Photo Credit:
Photo of Erica Bethe Levin courtesy of Portraiture by Tru
Photo of Jessica Zweig courtesy of Maria Ponce
Written by Kerry & Sally Shorr
Erica and Jessica at FGI's Rising Star Awards
Ultimate A-List: The Cheeky Card
Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief, CheekyChicago.com
NBC 5 Chicago Contributor
What was your favorite “It” moment this year? London 2012
What was your favorite “It” moment this year? London 2012
Cheeky
Chicago has gained recognition for hosting some of the city’s most stellar events.
What’s the key to hosting a memorable party? The key to
hosting a memorable party is to give the guests a 360-degree experience. When
we host an event, it is never just about the food, the wine or networking. We always feature an experience or
production element, whether it's a fashion show, a chef's tasting or honoring
some of the city's Cheekiest people.
Setting your own fabulous events aside, what was your favorite fete of 2012? Chicago Gourmet is our favorite culinary event. It's hosted outdoors during a lovely time of year and features amazing food and even better wine.
Setting your own fabulous events aside, what was your favorite fete of 2012? Chicago Gourmet is our favorite culinary event. It's hosted outdoors during a lovely time of year and features amazing food and even better wine.
The Gastronome's Garden of Eden:
Chicago Gourmet
Brains and
beauty, the Cheeky girls are known for their savvy style. Share one of your top
fashion secrets. No need to follow the crowd - start, follow, and maintain your trends!
From breakfast
meetings to cocktail tweet-ups, you’re always glowing-on-the-go. What must-have
item keeps you looking gorgeous? NARS shimmer
stick is my MUST-have and works double time as a lip gloss.
Co-Founder and Director of Sales & Marketing, CheekyChicago.com
NBC 5 Chicago Contributor
Jetsetter.com Contributor
Cheeky is setting the benchmark for creative and hip events around town. Did you envision this kind of success when you were conceptualizing the brand? Yes and no. We wanted to create a fun-to-read website as well as to build an online community of like-minded and down-to-earth women who enjoyed having fun. Events were indeed a part of our brand concept, but we never envisioned they would become as huge and successful as they are. So in one way, it was intentional, but in another way, it's been a happy accident.
We love Cheeky Chicago’s annual “Cheekiest Guys of Summer” party and the men you honor. What makes a guy cheeky? A Cheeky guy is genuine, warm, outgoing, and in-the-know of what's going on in Chicago. These guys are everywhere and it's why we celebrate them every year at our "Cheekiest Guys of Summer" event. We do it to call them out of the woodwork and to reinforce that our events (and our brand) are meant for everyone to experience.
Cheeky is setting the benchmark for creative and hip events around town. Did you envision this kind of success when you were conceptualizing the brand? Yes and no. We wanted to create a fun-to-read website as well as to build an online community of like-minded and down-to-earth women who enjoyed having fun. Events were indeed a part of our brand concept, but we never envisioned they would become as huge and successful as they are. So in one way, it was intentional, but in another way, it's been a happy accident.
We love Cheeky Chicago’s annual “Cheekiest Guys of Summer” party and the men you honor. What makes a guy cheeky? A Cheeky guy is genuine, warm, outgoing, and in-the-know of what's going on in Chicago. These guys are everywhere and it's why we celebrate them every year at our "Cheekiest Guys of Summer" event. We do it to call them out of the woodwork and to reinforce that our events (and our brand) are meant for everyone to experience.
Cheeky Guys of Summer 2012 party
You’re dating a superstar
guy. Play Ask E. Jean (of Elle magazine) and answer this question from a Cheeky
reader: "I’m a successful, smart and attractive Chicagoan. How do I find
my soulmate in the city’s big urban jungle?" It sure is a jungle out there! The key to finding your soulmate is to focus less on "finding it" and more on yourself and your own thing. This is key for two reasons: first, men are attracted to a woman with a passion (ie, for her career, philanthropy, friends, family) and second, when you're that involved in your own life, he's got to work for and earn the chance to get to know you. Whole people attract whole people, so don't look for a guy to complete you. The best relationships come when YOU are in YOUR best place.
Jessica Zweig and beau, Brian Fisher
On October 4, 2012, Cheeky’s celebrating its four-year anniversary at Four Seasons Chicago.
Congratulations, you’ve come a long way, baby! What are your proudest
accomplishments thus far? Our biggest accomplishment is our readers. We are so grateful for our audience's enthusiasm and loyalty. We still haven't gotten used to hearing the feedback - whether it's in person at an event or a personally-written email - from girls (and guys!) who know and love the site, relate to it, and have fun at our events.
That's why we created Cheeky - to give the women of Chicago something they could feel was their own. Seriously, that kind of feedback and acknowledgement never gets old. We pinch ourselves with gratitude daily.
Happy Birthday to Me: Jessica and Erica
at Cheeky's 3-year celebration
What’s in store for Cheeky fans in 2013? We've got BIG plans: we are upgrading our Cheeky Card program from the credit card into a mobile app, expanding nationally into Austin and Los Angeles, and hiring a slew of new team members. We have more exciting announcements so stay tuned!
Four glorious years later, fans weigh in on what inspires them most about Cheeky Chicago. #girlpower
Kevin
Aeh, Time Out Chicago
I've gotten to know Jessica and Erica
pretty well over the years, and their passion for both Cheeky and Chicago is
contagious and inspiring. When these ladies are involved in a project, you know
good things are going to happen – I'm so glad guys aren't excluded from the
Cheeky lifestyle!
Rodelio
Aglibot, The Food Buddha
I love that Cheeky provides women with both a voice and an outlet.
Ryan
Beshel, 900 North
Michigan Shops
Cheeky embodies Chicago's young, fun,
social woman who is in-the-know, appreciative of style and health, and who just
happens to be at all the hot parties. I'm just lucky that the Cheeky girl
always invites her Cheeky guy, because Jessica and Erica can sure throw a
party!
Ashley Bond, BullsTV
It's a fun, feel good, one-stop site for
everything from fashion to food!
Leah
Chavie, Leah Chavie
Skincare Boutique
Cheeky is a true class act! They
nominated me Cheeky Beauty Expert of the year and have helped me provide a
platform to brand my business. The cheekiest way to get to know the best of
Chicago is through Cheeky Chicago.
Ryan
Chiaverini, ABC7’s Windy City LIVE!
Cheeky Chicago is tapped in to the pulse
of the city and truly encompasses all of the great experiences Chicago has to
offer.
Erica and Jessica with Team Cheeky:
Joran Thompson (left) and Angela Lee
D.C.
Crenshaw, Fete Select TV
I love the way that Cheeky has evolved
over a short period of time. Their sense of fashion, food and fun are blowing
up all around the city. So proud of my girls!
Joe Cutaia, Wagstaff PR
Cheeky Chicago has become synonymous with the
young-professional "power girl" scene here in Chicago. Jessica and Erica took their idea and made it into a reality - something that often takes a special group of people to accomplish. Besides talented, they're two of the nicest
people I've had the pleasure of meeting during my tenure in the city - both
personally and professionally.
Julie
Darling, The Darling
Company
Cheeky Chicago is quite simply "a
breath of fresh air". The girls put their hearts into every event, every
tweet, every interaction which, to me, is truly the foundation of what makes
Chicago.
Billy Dec, Rockit Ranch Productions
I love that a girl who worked at my gym stopped me during a workout to tell me she and one of my waitresses had a dream to create this social site. She asked me what I thought and I told her to go for it - and damn they went BIG! I'm very proud to see what they have accomplished - not only as business owners but as fellow cheerleaders of Chicago!
Jenn Dieas and Amie Miller, Golden Girl Chicago
Jason
Erkes, Chicago Sport
& Social Club
If you're at an event and it has a Cheeky
stamp on it - you know you're in the right place. They bring together the best
crowd at the best places and have their finger on the pulse of all cool things Chicago.
Rosemary
Fanti, Two
Advertising & Communications
I just LOVE that Cheeky Chicago knows
exactly what women need to know — urban chic and oh-so sophisticated.
Brian
Fisher, Chicago Stock
Exchange
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing spa, a
notable nook for after-work drinks, or the newest, see-and-be-seen restaurant, consult
Cheeky Chicago - the city’s most influential, where-to-be guide for women and
(Cheeky) men.
Jena
Gambaccini, ChiCityFashion
I'm all for upping Chicago's style cred
and Cheeky does it quite well!
Julianne
Glatz, JG Hats
I love Cheeky Chicago for their vitality
and upbeat energy - Cheeky ROCKS!
James
Goeke, ESAM
The inspiring entrepreneurial spirit that
Jessica and Erica possess and exude makes it seem like you can accomplish
anything if you passionately work hard toward your goals. Congrats, Jessica and Erica!
Remember When: Erica and Jessica
at Cheeky's Launch Party
Bonni Gross, Coldwell Banker
Cheeky Chicago is so great! So
informative! So much fun! So chi-chi!
Cindy
Hamilton, Nike
Nike has been thrilled to work with
Cheeky to get these “girls-in-the-know” to be “girls-in-the-swoosh”!
Erica
Hyde Strama, The Shops at
North Bridge
Founders Erica and Jessica are super
sweet and chic. My Cheeky Card gets me amazing perks (I recently used it for a
complimentary sushi roll at Sunda) and their events are always swanky and fun.
Candace Jordan, Watch312.com
Candace Jordan, Watch312.com
From the first moment I met them, I loved their
combined passion for all things Chicago. I particularly loved the fact
that they’re such good friends on top of their business partnership. They’re so darn loveable, kind and smart (the whole package!), and I couldn’t be
happier for their much-deserved success with Cheeky Chicago!
Jill
Katz, JKLS PR
Cheeky Chicago is on the pulse of
everything and brings amazing energy to all they touch!
Chris
LaMorte, Urbandaddy Chicago
Cheeky has proven to be absolutely
fearless in its plans to conquer the world -- and as far as I know, the
universe -- using nothing but its wits and a heretofore unknown shade of pink.
Debi
Lilly, A Perfect
Event
I love the
Cheeky Girl personality stamp Jessica and Erica inject on everything they
feature, host, and celebrate. It's Chicago girls having fun and loving life,
all the time.
R.J.
Melman, Lettuce
Entertain You
My favorite thing about Cheeky Chicago is
Jessica and Erica.
Mel
Muoio, UrbanDaddy Chicago
I love Cheeky Chicago because it
progresses the women's spirit of helping one another.
Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA
I love the spirit and energy that Cheeky Chicago brings to the city!
Benjamin
Newby, Menin Hotels
They bring women together and celebrate,
without competition, what it is to be a strong, independent, and cheeky woman.
Jess Piet, JessUndressed.com
Jess Piet, JessUndressed.com
The love. From swanky parties to articles
that reveal the good, the bad, and the ugly, Cheeky supports and celebrates
women of all kinds for their strengths. Cheeky kicks cattiness to the curb,
leaving room for us all to dance in the streets together.
Jenny
Polachek, Modern Luxury
What I love most about Cheeky Chicago are
the two amazingly talented, incredibly brave and, most importantly, immensely
creative women behind the brand: Erica and Jessica. I've admired their drive,
passion, and fabulous parties for years. I feel honored to call them friends
and wish them nothing but continued success.
Amanda
Puck, XAPR
I love Erica and Jessica - they are fun,
flashy, and do FABULOUS things in Chicago!
Marcus Riley, NBC Universal
Marcus Riley, NBC Universal
All too often, successful start-ups are
male-dominated but Jessica and Erica have built a successful business model
from the ground up that should serve as a template and inspiration not only for
other young women but all aspiring entrepreneurs.
Monika
Rydz, Connect.
Inspire. Grow
We loved hearing Jessica's inspiring
story at our Connect. Inspire. Grow. event one year ago!
Raj Sai,
JPMorgan Chase
I meet new and amazing people at every
Cheeky Chicago event I go to; Jessica, Erica, Joran and team have the wonderful
ability to attract Chicago's best and brightest.
Samantha
Saifer Berngard, Sun-Times
Aside from the two absolutely fabulous
co-founders, I love that Cheeky provides a unique online community for women to
explore the best of Chicago - they also throw pretty fantastic events as well!
Chef
Art Smith, Art Smith
Company
Cheeky Chicago
invented social networking.
Jessica with Art Smith
Megan
Taylor, Fig Media Inc.
I love that Cheeky is inclusive of all
women and they teach us ladies to support and empower each other!
Joran
Thompson, Cheeky Chicago
I love Cheeky because it's a dynamic
outlet 24/7 for the ladies of Chicago. Whether you want to get dolled up and
hit up a fun and exclusive event, read something meaningful and relatable on
your lunch break, or experience the city with perks (and free champagne
galore!) via the Cheeky Card, the brand's energy truly embodies and empowers
the everyday Chicago girl to have a ball, connect with her city, and meet incredible
people along the way!
Kelli Zink, CelebTV.com
The Cheeky chicks are willing to try
anything and everything to make the women of Chicago look and feel sexier - and
that is truly Cheeky.
